Brazilian charged for illegal gold possession granted $75,000 bail

A Brazilian national has been charged following a major intelligence-led operation by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) targeting illicit gold smuggling in Guyana’s hinterland regions.

Osmil Costa Da Silva of 111 Mile, Mahdia, Region Eight, was formally charged on Friday, 23 May 2025, with Possession of Gold by Person not being a Producer, contrary to the Guyana Gold Board Act, Chapter 66:01.

Da Silva appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court #1 before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty, where the charge was read. He entered a plea of not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of GY$75,000. The matter has been transferred to the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court, where it will next be heard on 20 June 2025.

The charge stems from a joint intelligence operation executed by SOCU on Wednesday, 21 May, in Central Mahdia. Officers arrested Da Silva at his business establishment, Filhao Shop, located in Region Eight. Authorities seized a substantial quantity of raw gold, mining equipment, documents, and over GY$17 million in cash during the raid.

According to SOCU Head, Deputy Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, the operation successfully disrupted an alleged smuggling network before the gold could be moved across Guyana’s borders. He noted the operation as part of SOCU’s ongoing efforts to curb the illegal gold trade and protect the nation’s mineral wealth.